System and apparatus for interconnecting structural members, and method of utilizing same

ABSTRACT

A system and method for erecting a structure elevated off the ground, including rigidly installing a series of posts the upper ends of which lie in a horizontal plane. Sheet material is applied to the ground beneath the structure to be erected to impede the growth of vegetation. On top of each of the posts is placed the tubular portion of a ground saddle. Two wooden joists are placed in each ground saddle to form a series of parallel beams. The beams are fastened in the ground saddles, and on top of the beams there is fastened a plurality of plane saddle devices. Within the plain saddle devices there is fastened a series of substantially parallel joists which are oriented perpendicular to the series of beams. The structural members are fastened on top of the joists to form the elevated structure.

FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 1 Nov. 25, 1975Australia...............................

, 0r Firmlrving M. Weiner ABSTRACT A system and method for erecting astructure elevated Primary ExaminerHenry C. Sutherland Attorney, Agentoff the ground, including rigidly installing a series of posts the upperends of which lie in a horizontal plane. Sheet material is applied tothe ground beneath the structure to be erected to impede the growth ofvegetation. On top of each of the posts is placed the tubular portion ofa ground saddle. Two wooden joists are placed in each ground saddle toform a series of parallel beams. The beams are fastened in the groundsaddles, and on top of the beams there is fastened a plu-INTERCONNECTING STRUCTURAL MEMBERS, AND METHOD OF UTILIZING SAME [76]Inventor: Robert S. Hughes, 28275 Ranchwood, Southfield, Mich. 48075Filed: June 22, 1973 Appl. No.: 372,698

52/299; 52/122; 52/169; 52/370; 248/357; 403/244 Int. E04B 1/56; EO4CH32 [58] Field of Search 52/122, 126,365, 169, 52/369-371, 678, 296,299; 248/226 A, 226 B, 357; 403/244 References Cited UNITED STATESPATENTS United States Patent Hughes SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR rality ofplane saddle devices. Within the plain saddle devices there is fasteneda series of substantially parallel joists which are orientedperpendicular to the series of beams. The structural members arefastened on top of the joists to form the elevated structure.

3 Claims, 18 Drawing Figures Inglee Cox Fine US. Patent Nov. 25, 1975Sheet10f2 3,921,356

fF/g-J Fig-Z US. Patent Nov. 25, 1975 Sheet20f2 3,921,356

SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR INTERCONNECTING STRUCTURAL MEMBERS, AND METHODOF UTILIZING SAME The present invention relates to a method forfacilitating the interconnection of a plurality of structural members,and to a method of utilizing such apparatus for erecting a structureelevated off of the ground. In particular, the present invention relatesto a system, method and kit for building a wooden deck and variousaccessory structures, such as wooden steps and patio benches, and thenecessary metallic components and brackets therefor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Heretofore, it was quite difficult for homeowners to design or build a wood deck, because it was a majorimprovement to their home which required professional workmen, such ascarpenters, concrete workers, etc. As a result, prior to the advent ofthe present invention, the construction of wood patios, decking, patiosteps, and patio benches were relegated to the work of the architect andcontractor. The present invention has changed this situation by puttinginto the hands of the non-handyman the necessary components, techniques,and information into a system or kit in order to build a strong deckstructure and ancillary structures such as rail posts, benches andsteps, as simply as possible. Some of the prior art components andtechniques are discussed hereinafter.

OBrien U.S. Pat. No. 737,133 entitled ADJUST- ABLE JOIST FOR SUPPORTINGFIREPROOF FLOORS" discloses a yoke which is adapted to be threadedlysupported on a central vertical support member. The yoke is adapted tohold two bars by means of a single bolt passing through a singleaperture provided in each face plate of the yoke. In contrast to thepresent invention, such a yoke has no means for adjusting the distancebetween the face plates of the yoke to accomodate different sizes ofbars or structural members, and such a yoke is not provided with aseries of differently oriented apertures in each of the face platesthereof to avoid alignment of any apertures therein.

Ernst U.S. Pat. No. 1,013,004 entitled POSTCAP teaches a post capcomprising a socket portion having side and end walls which are adaptedto embrace the end of a post, and a seat portion which rests upon and issecured to the socket portion. The side walls are provided with inwardlyextending flanges which are adapted to engage the end of the post andlie between the end walls. The end walls have supporting flangesextending outwardly from the upper edges thereof. The inwardly andoutwardly extending flanges lie in substantially the same plane and forma flat surface upon which the bottom of the seat portion rests. Incontrast to the ground saddle of the present invention, this prior artpost cap is not adjustable to accomodate various thicknesses ofstructural members to be supported thereby, and does not have anyprovision for rotation between the post socket and the seat portion.

Price U.S. Pat. No. 1,097,934 entitled PRESSED- STEEL SILL-POCKETdiscloses a device which facilitates extending one structural member atright angles to another structural member, with the end of onestructural member abutting the other. Because this prior art device isconcerned with a different problem solved by the present invention, itconsequently has distinct and additional features not necessitated bythe present invention. The Price sill pocket is formed from a singlesheet of metal and comprises a flat rectangular seat, and a rear wallextending upwardly from the rear of the seat. Side walls at the sides ofthe seat extend to the rear of and beyond the rear wall and laterallyextending attaching flanges integral with the side walls. Because thepresent invention is not concerned with abutting the end of onestructural member at right angles to another structural member, thepresent invention requires no rear wall portion nor any attachingflanges. In addition, the Price sill pocket does not have opposed sideportions provided with a series of differently oriented apertureswherein the apertures in one side portion are out of alignment with allof the apertures in the opposing side portion.

Carlson U.S. Pat. No. 1,532,729 entitled SHRINK- PROOF STUD SUPPORTdiscloses a channel-like shoe having two depending solid pins rigidlyaffixed to the base thereof. In contrast to the present invention, theCarlson shoe is adapted to fit on the end of a wooden structural studmember, has no means for adjusting the distance between the side wallmembers of the shoe, and provides no rotational adjustment be tween itssolid depending pins and the base of the shoe channel.

Daniels U.S. Pat. No. 1,657,253 entitled JOIST AND RAFTER SUSPENSIONBRACKET" teaches two different brackets, one of which is adapted to beaffixed to a vertical upright wall post, and the other of which isadapted to be affixed to a horizontal ridge beam, but both of which areadapted to support spaced rafters which are obliquely oriented relativeto the horizontal. In contrast, the plain saddle and ground saddleapparatuses of the present invention are adapted for supportinghorizontally oriented structural members.

Taylor et a1. U.S. Pat. No. 1,720,104 entitled BEAM HANGER discloses ametal strap having spaced parallel depending arms with their free endportions directed outwardly at right angles to provide rests for beamsor other structural members. The Taylor device requires an I-beam orother structural supporting beam in order to support it, and is notadapted to support one or more structural members which traverse theentire length of the beam hanger. In addition, the Taylor device doesnot have the ability to accomodate beams or structural members ofdifferent widths by adjustment of the device, as is the case with thepresent invention.

Clark U.S. Pat. No. 2,103,064 entitled STUD TIE" relates to a means fortying building wall studs together where the plate capping the studs iscut out to pass heating or ventilating pipes or ducts. The stud tie isgenerally L-shaped in cross-section, except for two tongues which may behammered into a position which is generally perpendicular to the mainweb of the stud tie. In contrast, the present invention provides anapparatus and a method wherein the structural members or beams aredisposed between a pair of substantially parallel side members whereinthe distance between the side members is adjustable to accomodatevarious widths of beams or structural members.

Earhart U.S. Pat. No. 3,188,696 entitled COMBI- NATION ANCHORS ANDBRACES discloses a device having a bottom plate and side wall portionswhich are either longer than the bottom plate or which may be bent intoan orientation which is perpendicular to the main side walls. Incontrast, the present invention provides a method and an apparatuswherein the plain saddle apparatus has side portions which are the samewidth as the bottom plate portion, and is designed to accomodate andretain securely structural members which traverse completely the saddleapparatus or structural members which abut within the confines of thesaddle apparatus the securement of which is facilitated by theoppositely oriented diagonal alignment of nail holes which preventinterference between nails from opposite sides, prevent splitting of thestructural members, and assure retention of the structural members intheir upper and lower portions.

The present invention eliminates the disadvantages attendant with theconventional and prior art techniques, and also provides a method andapparatus which will accomplish the necessary construction to beundertaken and provide an apparatus which has a permanent adjustableconnection to accomodate different size lumber in its ground saddleapparatus embodiment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an apparatus forfacilitating the interconnection ofa plurality of structural members,which comprises in combination a plurality of fastening means, and aplurality of structural members. The apparatus includes at least onesurface thereof which is provided with apertures to facilitate thepassage therethrough of at least some of the fastening means which serveto fasten the apparatus to one or more of the structural members.

The present invention also provides a method of utilizing the disclosedapparatus for erecting a structure which is elevated off of the ground,which method includes the step of rigidly installing a plurality of postmembers projecting out of the terrain in a predetermined pattern and insuch a manner that the uppermost ends of the posts lie substantiallywithin a plane which is oriented in a horizontal fashion. The methodalso includes the steps of applying to the ground beneath the elevatedstructure which is to be erected means for impeding the growth ofvegetation, and placing on the top of each of the posts the tubularportion ofa ground saddle apparatus. The method also includes the stepsof placing within each of the ground saddles one or more structuralmembers to form a series of substantially parallel beams, fastening suchbeams within the ground saddle apparatuses, and fastening atpredetermined periodic spaced intervals on the top of such beams aplurality of plain saddle apparatuses. The method also includes thesteps of placing one or more structural members within each of the plainsaddle apparatuses to form a series of substantially parallel joistswhich are oriented substantially perpendicular to the series of beams,and fastening a layer of structural members on top of such joists toform the elevated structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 illustrates a top plan view ofthe plastic sheeting and pipe layout for a patio deck to be constructedaccording to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a view similar to that of FIG. 1 but in an advanced stageof construction showing the installed ground saddles two rows of whichare illustrated retaining main beams.

FIG. 3 illustrates a view similar to FIg. 2 but in an advanced stage ofconstruction showing the plane saddles affixed on top of the main beamsand oriented perpendicular to the main beams.

FIG. 4 illustrates a view similar to FIG. 3 but in an advanced stage ofconstruction showing the joists nailed in the plain saddles.

FIG. 5 illustrates a view similar to FIG. 4 but in a further advancedstage of construction showing some of the decking members nailed on topof the joists.

FIG. 6 illustrates a view similar to FIG. 5 but in an advanced stage ofconstruction showing the completed decking which has been trimmed andaround the periphery of which has been affixed facia trim.

FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view, partly in section, of a portion ofthe patio deck illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 6 to elucidate the methodand apparatuses according to a first embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a ground saddle according toone embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 depicts a bottom view of the ground saddle apparatus shown inFIG. 8.

FIG. 10 illustrates a partial elevational view of the ground saddleapparatus shown in FIG. 8 together with two abutting structural memberswhich have been nailed together by use of the ground saddle apparatus.

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a plain saddle apparatus accordingto another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 depicts a perspective view of a garden bench embodying the novelgarden bench brackets according to another embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of a step bracket according toanother embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of rail posts according toanother embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of a bench provided with a seatback including the novel bench and back brackets according to anotherembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of a bench including the novelpatio bench brackets according to another embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of the underside of a portion ofa bench corner showing the novel bench corner plate according to anotherembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is an elevational view of the ground saddle of FIG. 8 with theparts of the beam engaging portions slightly separated to show therotatable joint between these portions and the ground engaging pipe.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION Withreference to FIGS. 1 through 9 and 11, there is illustrated the novelmethod and apparatus according to the present invention for erecting astructure, such as a patio deck, which is elevated off of the ground. Asa first step in erecting the deck, the area where the deck is to beconstructed should be staked out. It is preferable to tie string to thestakes at the desired level of the post members or pipe 1 which areillustrated in FIGS. 1 and 7. It is preferable to have the height of thepipe 1 between 13% and 15% inches below the height of the topmostfinished deck members 2 which are illustrated in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7. Amore exact measurement of the difference between the height of the pipe1 and the height of the deck members 2 may be determined as a practicalmatter by stacking the lumber which will be disposed between the top ofthe pipe 1 and the deck members 2, viz., the main beams 3 and the joists4, which are illustrated in FIGS. 2 through 5 and 7.

For the particular embodiment being described, the next step would be todig post holes 5 approximately 8 inches in diameter. The depth of thehole 5 to be dug would depend on the frost line in the local where thedeck, there is the step of rigidly installing a plurality of postmembers or pipe 1 projecting out of the terrain in a predeterminedpattern (such as the pipe pattern illustrated in FIG. 1) and in such amanner that the uppermost ends of the posts or pipe 1 lie substantiallywithin a plane which is oriented in a horizontal fashion. To do this,the holes 5 should be filled with cement 6 with the top of the pouredcement coming to about 4 to 5 inches below the ground level as shown inFIG. 7. The pipe 1 should be set in the cement 6 to the height neededwhich should be even with the string (not shown). The pipe 1 may, forexample, be 1% inch diameter cast iron pipe. The pipe 1 may, if desired,be cut after the cement 6 sets or hardens, if too long; or shimmed up,as much as two inches by using short pieces of pipe or washers, if tooshort.

The next step in the construction would be to apply to the groundbeneath the elevated structure or deck which is to be erected, means forimpeding the growth of vegetation. Such means may take various forms,such as a weed killer (not shown), sheet material 7 (shown in FIGS. 1through 5 and 7), and/or crushed stone or wood chips over the sheetmaterial 7. It is preferable to utilize all of the aforementioned meansfor impeding the growth of vegetation by first applying a weed killer tocontrol the undergrowth, then spreading plastic sheeting 7, such as 4mil. polyethylene, to match the periphery of the completed deck, andthen spreading crushed stone or wood chips over the plastic sheet ing 7.

The next step would be to place on top of each of the posts or pipe 1the tubular portion 8 of a ground saddle apparatus 9, which step isillustrated best in FIGS. 2 and 7. The ground saddle apparatus 9 per seis described hereinbelow with particular reference to FIGS. 8, 9 and 10.

With particular reference to FIGS. 2 and 7, the next step would be toplace within each of the ground saddles 9 one or more structural membersto form a series of substantially parallel beams 3. The main beam 3 maybe formed, for example, by nailing together two 2 by 6 inch boards tomake the beams, and placing such beams 3 within the saddles 9.

The next step would be to fasten the beams 3 within the ground saddles9, for example, by driving 1% inch roofing nails through the holes 10provided in the saddle 9 (see FIG. 8).

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 7, the next step would be to fasten atpredetermined periodic spaced intervals on top of the beams 3 aplurality of plain saddle apparatuses 11, which are illustrated in FIG.11 and described hereinafter in greater detail. Such fastening may beaccomplished by driving nails or other fastening means through the holes12 provided in the base plate 13 of the plain saddle 11 into the top ofthe main beams 3 (see FIG. 11).

With reference to FIGS. 4 and 7, the next step in the method would be toplace the joists 4 within the plain saddles 11 so that the joists 4 arearranged substantially perpendicular to the main beams 3. The next stepwould be to fasten the joists 4 within the plain saddles 1 l by drivingnails through the holes 10 in the side portions of the plain saddles 11(see FIG. 11

With reference to FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, the next step would be to fasten alayer of structural members, such as 2 by 4 inch deck members 2, on topof the joists 4 to form the elevated structure. It is preferable toplace the deck membersl approximately one-eighth of an inch apart, andto trim off the ends of the deck members 2 after the nailing iscomplete.

To finish off the deck, it is suggested to install facia trim 14 aroundthe periphery of the deck.

FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 show in greater detail an embodiment of the inventionin the form of a ground saddle apparatus 9 for facilitating theinterconnection of a plurality of structural members, such as main beams3. The ground saddle apparatus 9 includes a first element 15 having asubstantially L-shaped cross-section and including a first portion 16and a second portion 17. The ground saddle apparatus 9 also includes asecond element 18 having a substantially L-shaped cross-section andincluding a first portion 19 and a second portion 20.

The ground saddle apparatus 9 also includes adjustment means, such asslots.2l and rivets 22, adjustably interconnecting the first and secondelements 15 and 18 to permit relative motion therebetween in order toaccomodate various sizes of, widths of, or numbers of the structuralmembers therebetween.

The first portion 16 of the first element 15 is provided with aplurality of apertures or holes 10 which are aligned in a firstpredetermined oblique direction relative to the orientation of secondportions 17 and 20. The first portion 19 of the second element 18 isprovided with a plurality of apertures or holes 10 which are aligned ina second predetermined direction which is disposed substantiallyperpendicular, on a projection basis, to the first predetermineddirection.

The ground saddle apparatus 9 also includes a third element or tubularportion 8 which is substantially tubular in shape and which is rotatablyinterconnected to and affixed to one of the second portions 17 or 20 topermit rotational adjustment of the first and second elements l5 and 18relative to the third tubular element 8. In the embodiment illustrated,the third tubular element 8 is rotatably interconnected to the secondportion 17 of the first element 15. This rotatable connection is made byforming a circular opening in second portion 17, which opening issurrounded by a truncated conical flange 23 depending from the lowersurface of second portion 17. In assembling the ground saddle 9, theupper portion of the tubular element 8 is inserted within the openingsurrounded by the conical flange 23, and then the uppermost portion oftubular element 8 is flared out into an annular flange (not shown) whichis disposed between the second portions 17 and 20 and is adapted torotate therebetween together with its af- 7 fixed tubular element 8. Therivets 22 are made to a suitable length to permit the rotation of theannular flange on the top portion of8 to rotate between the secondportions 17 and 20.

The rotatable feature of the ground saddle 9 is an important advantageof this embodiment in that it permits the first and second elements 15and 18 to be rotated adjustably into any angular orientation relative tothe longitudinal axis of the tubular element 8.

The adjustment means provided by slots 21 and rivets 22 permits theground saddle 9 to snugly secure a single structural element of variouswidths, or a plurality of structural elements because of the adjustablesliding motion permitted by such adjustment means.

The alignment and positioning of the apertures or holes 10 is anotheradvantageous feature of this embodiment. For example, when structuralmembers, such as beams 3, are placed within the ground saddle 9 totraverse the entire length thereof, the fastening means, such as nailsor screws, placed through the apertures l assure securement of thestructural members in both the upper and lower portions thereof, and onboth sides thereof, while at the same time minimizing and avoiding theoccurrence of interference between fastening members driven fromopposite sides of the apparatus and also inadvertent cracking of thestructural members.

The alignment and positioning of the apertures has additionalsignificance when two different structural members, such as woodenmembers 24 and 25, are to abut within the confines of the ground saddleapparatus 9 (see FIG. 10). In this arrangement, it should be noted thatthe two lower holes 10 in first portion 16 together with appropriatefastening members passing therethrough assure the securement of thelower portion of structural member 24, while the two upper apertures 10in first portion 19 together with appropriate fastening members passingtherethrough assure the securement of the upper portion of structuralmember 24. Similarly, the two lower apertures 10 in first portion 19together with appropriate fastening members passing therethrough assurethe proper securement of the lower portion of structural member 25,while the two upper apertures 10 in first portion 16 with appropriatefastening members passing therethrough assure the proper securement ofthe uppoer portion of structural member 25 within the ground saddle 9.

With reference to FIG. 1 1, there is illustrated another embodiment ofthe present invention in the form of an apparatus, such as plain saddleapparatus 11, for facilitating the interconnection of a plurality ofstructural members. The plain saddle apparatus 11 includes a first side26 provided with a series of apertures or holes 10 which are aligned ina first predetermined direction. The plain saddle apparatus 11 alsoincludes a second side 27 which is disposed substantially parallel tothe first side 26 and which is provided with a series of apertures orholes 10 which are aligned in a second predetermined direction which isdisposed substantially perpendicular, on a projection basis, to thefirst predetermined direction.

The plain saddle apparatus 11 also includes a third side or base plate13 which is unitary and integral with the first and second sides 26 and27 and which interconnects and maintains in a spaced apart relationshipthe first and second sides 26 and 27. The third side or base plate 13 isprovided with a plurality of apertures or holes 12 to facilitate thepassage therethrough of at least some fastening means, such as nails,screws, bolts, etc.

It is to be noted that the plain saddle apparatus 11 has no feature foradjusting the distance between the sides 26 and 27, and lacks a tubularelement 8 as shown in the ground saddle apparatus 9.

With reference to FIG. 12, there is shown another embodiment of thepresent invention in the form of garden bench brackets 28. Each gardenbench bracket 28 includes a tubular element 29 centrally and integrallyaffixed to an elongated element 30. The elongated element 30 is providedwith a plurality of apertures 31 to facilitate the passage therethroughof at least several of suitable fastening means (not shown), such asbolts, screws, nails, etc.

Each elongated element 30 is adapted to be disposed across a pluralityof structural members 32, such as wooden boards, and to be fastened tosaid structural members 32 by means of the aforementioned fasteningmeans. The tubular element 29 is adapted to fit over the top of apipe-supporting member 33 projecting out of the ground terrain.

In a preferred embodiment of the garden bench bracket 28, the elongatedelement 30 is predrilled with the apertures 31 and dimensioned toaccomodate three 2 by 6 inch boards 32 at the top. The tubular element29 in the preferred embodiment is adapted to fit over a pipe-supportingmember 33 in the form of standard 1% inch black or galvanized pipe. Itis preferred to have the pipe 33 set in an 8 inch diameter, 42 inch deephole filled with concrete.

To give added strength to the elongated element 30, it is preferable tohave an elongated element 30 which possesses a U-shaped cross sectionperpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongated element 30. Sucha U-shaped cross sectioned elongated element 30 also facilitates theaccommodation of fastening means which are passed through the apertures31 from the bottom thereof and up into the structural members 32. Inthis fashion, the end of the fastening means terminates within theinterior of the structural member 32 so that there is no interruption ofthe top surface of the structural member 32 upon which the user wouldsit.

With reference to FIG. 13, there is shown another embodiment of thepresent invention in the form of a step bracket 34. The step bracket 34is provided with a main body portion 35 having integrally and unitarilyconnected thereto a first flange portion 36 and a second flange portion37. The first and second flange portions 36 and 37, respectively,project from the main body portion 35 in opposite directions as shown inFIG. 13.

Each of the first and second flange portions 36 and 37 are provided witha plurality of apertures for facilitate the passage therethrough of atleast some fastening means 38, such as screws, bolts, nails or the like,for affixing the step bracket apparatus 34 to a plurality of structuralmembers. The first flange portion 36 has its longitudinal axis disposedin a predetermined acute angular relationship with the longitudinal axisof the second flang portion 37.

The first flange portion 36 is affixed to a plurality of structuralmembers 39 which form a step tread. The second flange portion 37 isaffixed to a structural member in the form of a stringer board 40.

The novel step bracket 34 permits the construction of steps in a readymanner and eliminates the necessity to cut risers and results in astronger finished step.

With reference to FIG. 14, there is shown another embodiment of thepresent invention in the form of a novel rail post 41. The rail post 41includes an elongated main post portion 42, a first end plate portion 43centrally and integrally affixed at a first end of the main post portion42, and a second end plate portion 44 centrally and integrally affixedto the main post portion 42 at the other end thereof. The first endplate portion 43 is provided with a series of apertures to facilitatethe passage therethrough of some fastening means 45 for affixing thefirst end plate portion 43 to a structural member, such as top railboard 46. The second end plate portion 44 is provided with a pluralityof apertures to facilitate the passage therethrough of fastening means45 for fastening the second end plate portion 44 affixed to a structuralmember, such as board 47, which is fastened to the deck proper.

In a preferred embodiment of the rail post apparatus 41, the elongatedmain post portion 42 comprises a 30 inch long 1 inch by 1 inch steeltubing, and the first and second end plate portions 43 and 44 comprise14 gauge steel plates which are pre-punched with holes to accomodatefastening means in the form of lag bolts.

With regard to FIG. 15, there is shown another embodiment of the presentinvention in the form of a bench and back bracket apparatus 48. Thebench and back bracket apparatus 48 includes a first side member 49which is provided with a series of apertures to facili tate the passagetherethrough of fastening means for securing the first side member 49 toa plurality of structural members 50. The apparatus 48 also includes asecond side member 51 which is disposed substantially parallel to thefirst side member 49 and which is also provided with a plurality ofapertures for facilitating the passage therethrough of fastening meansfor securing the apparatus 48 to an external surface, such as a patiodeck or the ground terrain. The bench and back bracket apparatus 48 alsoincludes third and fourth non-parallel side members 52 and 53,respectively, which are integrally connected to the first and secondside members 49 and 51 and which hold the first and second side members49 and 51 in a predetermined spaced apart relationship.

The apparatus 48 also includes a fifth side member 54 which constitutesan extension of and is co-axial with the third side member 52, and whichis integral and unitary with the second side member 51. The fifth -sidemember 54 is provided in its portion remote from the second side member51 with a plurality of apertures (not shown) to facilitate the passagetherethrough of at least some fastening means, such as nails, bolts,screws, and the like, for securing the fifth side member 54 to otherstructural members, such as back rest boards 55.

In a preferred embodiment of the bench and back bracket 48, the bracketis predrilled for accommodating three 2 by 6 inch boards on the firstside members 49 to serve as a bench seat, and two 2 by 4 inch boards 55to serve as the back rest for the bench.

With reference to FIG. 16, there is illustrated a patio bench bracketapparatus 56 comprising a first side member 57 provided with a series ofapertures to facilitate the passage therethrough of at least somefastening means for securing the first side member 57 to a plurality ofstructural members 58. A second side member 59 is disposed substantiallyparallel to the first side member 57, and is also provided with aplurality of apertures for facilitating the passage therethrough of somefastening means for securing the apparatus 56 to an external surface,such as the patio deck members 2 illustrated in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7. Theapparatus 56 also includes third and fourth non-parallel side membersand 61, respectively, which are integrally connected to said first andsecond side members 57 and 59, and which hold said first and second sidemembers 57 and 59 in a predetermined spaced apart relationship.

In a preferred embodiment of the patio bench bracket apparatus 56, thestructural members making up the bracket apparatus 56 are made of heavyiron construction which are predrilled for easily mounting three 2 by 6inch boards 58 to serve as the bench seat. The second side member 59 maybe predrilled to bolt the apparatus 56 to a patio deck, a concretesurface, or any other suitable external surface.

In the apparatus 48 and 56 illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, the firstside members 49 and 57, respectively, may be fabricated to have agenerally U-shaped cross section for added strength and rigidity, and toaccomodate the fastening means so that the fastening means are rigidlysecured without emanating into or through the upper surface of the benchseats. Also, if desired, the bench and bracket apparatus 48 may have afirst side member 49 which extends forwardly for a predetermineddistance beyond the side member 53. Similarly, the patio bench bracketapparatus 56 shown in FIG. 16 may have its first side member 57extending on both sides beyond the outer surfaces of third and fourthside members 60 and 61. These extensions increase the strength andrigidity of the structure, and facilitate the rigid securement of theseat boards or structural members.

With reference to FIG. 17, there is illustrated another embodiment ofthe present invention in the form of a bench corner plate apparatus 62.The bench corner plate apparatus 62 includes a substantially flatelongated plate 63 which is provided with a first series of apertures 64on one side of the longitudinal axis of the plate 63, and a secondseries of apertures 65 being provided on the opposite side of thelongitudinal axis of the plate 63. The bench corner plate apparatus 62is used in conjunction with a first series of structural members 66having their respective longitudinal axes disposed substantiallyparallel to each other. A second series of structural members 67 isemployed having their respective longitudinal axes disposedsubstantially parallel to each other. The longitudinal axis of the firstseries of structural members 66 is disposed substantially coplanar withthe longitudinal axis of the second series of structural members 67.

The edges of the first series of structural members 66 meet the edges ofthe second series of structural members 67 in a predetermined planewithin which lies the longitudinal axis of the substantially flat platemember 63. The first series of apertures 64 on the first side of thelongitudinal axis of the substantially flat plane member 63 serves toaccommodate fastening means for fastening the plate member 63 to thefirst series of structural members 66. The second series of apertures 65on the opposite side of the longitudinal axis of the substantially flateplate memeber 63 serves to accommodate fastening means for fastening thesubstantially flat plate member 63 to the second series of structuralmembers 67.

The bench corner plate apparatus 62 may be readily employed when makingan extension or an angular change in direction of a bench. Optionally,the bench corner plate apparatus 62 may be predrilled to work in 1 1conjunction with the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS.l2, l5 and 16.

A very advantageous feature of the garden bench bracket apparatus 28illustrated in FIG. 12 resides in the fact that the bench bracketapparatus 28 may be readily lifted off of the pipe or posts 29 for easystorage or refinishing, or for protection from the elements duringinclimate meteorological seasons or conditions.

With reference to the apparatuses shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, it should benoted that an optional feature is to have the portions making up theapparatus with square or rectangular cross sectioned members for addedrigidity and strength.

Adverting to FIG. 16, it has been found in practice preferable to havethe members 59, 61 and 60 formed from a single unitary square-crosssectioned metallic tubing which is bent substantially into a generallyU- shaped structure, upon the top of which is welded the member 57.Similarly, with reference to FIG. 15, it has been found preferable inpractice to form the members 53, 51, 52 and 54 from a single unitarysquare-cross sectioned metallic tubing which is bent into the generallyJ-shaped structure, to which is welded the member 49.

With further reference to the bench corner plate apparatus 62illustrated in FIG. 17, it should be noted that while this apparatus hasfound particular use in making a 90 change in direction of a bench, theapparatus 62 may be readily employed for any angular change and also forextending of a bench when the longitudinal axes of the structuralmembers 66 and 67 are co-linear.

While there have been shown and described preferred forms andembodiments the present invention, it is to be understood that theinvention is not necessarily confined thereto, and that any change orchanges in the structures of and in the relative arrangements ofcomponents thereof are contemplated as being within the scope of theinvention as defined by the claims appended hereto.

I claim:

I. An apparatus for facilitating the interconnection of a plurality ofstructural members comprising, in combination:

a plurality of fastening means;

a plurality of said structural members;

said apparatus including at least one surface thereof which is providedwith apertures to facilitate the passage therethrough of at least someof said fastening means which serve to fasten said apparatus to one ormore of said structural members;

a first element having a substantially L-shaped crosssection andincluding a first portion and a second portion;

a second element having a substantially L-shaped cross-section andincluding a first portion and a second portion;

adjustment means adjustably interconnecting said first and secondelements to permit relative motion therebetween in order to accommodatevarious sizes of or numbers of said structural members therebetween;

said first portion of said first element includes one said surface beingprovided with a plurality of said apertures which are aligned in a firstpredetermined direction;

said first portion of said second element includes another said surfacebeing provided with a plurality of said apertures which are aligned in asecond predetermined direction which is disposed substantiallyperpendicular to said first predetermined direction;

a third element which is substantially tubular in shape and which isrotatably interconnected to and affixed to one of said second portionsto permit rotational adjustment of said first and second substantiallyL-shaped element relative to said third tubular element; and

said adjustment means includes a plurality of slots provided in saidsecond portion of said first substantially L-shaped element, thelongitudinal axis of said slots being perpendicularly disposed to thelongitudinal axis of said first substantially L-shaped element,

a plurality of slots provided in said second portion of said secondsubstantially L-shaped element, said slots being substantially similarto the slot provided in said first substantially L-shaped element anddisposed in a vertically collinear relationship thereto, and

a plurality of rivets perpendicularly disposed in said slots andabuttingly contacting said first and second substantially L-shapedelements so as to permit relative motion therebetween.

2. An apparatus for facilitating the interconnection of a plurality ofstructural members, comprising, in combination:

a plurality of fastening means;

a plurality of structural members;

said apparatus including at least one surface thereof which is providedwith apertures to facilitate the passage therethrough of at least someof said fastening means which serve to fasten said apparatus to one ormore of said structural members;

a first element having a substantially L-shaped crosssection andincluding a first portion and a second portion;

a second element having a substantially L-shaped cross-section andincluding a first portion and a second portion;

adjustment means adjustably interconnecting said first and secondsubstantially L-shaped elements to permit relative motion therebetweenin order to accommodate various sizes of or numbers of said structuralmembers therebetween;

said first portion of said first element includes one said surface beingprovided with a plurality of said apertures which are aligned in a firstpredetermined direction;

said first portion of said second element includes another said surfacebeing provided with a plurality of said apertures which are aligned in asecond predetermined direction which is disposed substantiallyperpendicular to said first predetermined direction;

a third element which is substantially tubular in shape and which isrotatably interconnected to and affixed to one of said second portionsby means to permit rotational adjustment of said first and secondsubstantially L-shaped elements relative to said third tubular elements;and

said means for rotatably interconnecting said first and secondsubstantially L-shaped elements to said third tubular element includinga circular aperture provided in the second portion of said secondelement centrally disposed therein;

a truncated conical flange which depends from the lower surface of saidsecond element and is con- 13 centric with said aperture; and anoutwardly flared end portion of said third tubular element which formsan annular flange which abuttingly contacts the upper surface of saidsecond element; said angular flange being disposed between the secondportions of said first and second elements and adapted to permitrotation between said first and second elements and said third tubularelement. 3. An apparatus for facilitating the interconnection of aplurality of structural members, comprising, in combination:

a first L-shaped element having a first portion which is provided with aplurality of apertures, and a flange portion which is disposedsubstantially perpendicular to said first portion;

a second L-shaped element having a first portion which is provided witha plurality of apertures, and a flange portion which is disposedsubstantially perpendicular to said first portion;

a third element constituting a tubular support element having a flaredend portion thereof;

each of said flange portions of said first and second L-shaped elementsbeing provided with a pair of oppositely-disposed slots therein;

said flange portion of said first L-shaped element being provided with aconical depression therein;

said tubular element being disposed relative to said first and secondL-shaped elements so that said flared end of said tubular supportelement is disposed between said flange portions of said first andsecond L-shaped elements so that said flared end may rotate within saidconical depression;

said first and second L-shaped elements being assembled so that saidflange portions are oriented substantially parallel to each other andwith the slots of one said flange being disposed adjacent the slots ofthe other said flange;

said first and second L-shaped elements being connected together by afirst fastener disposed through the aligned slots of said flanges nearone end thereof, and by a second fastener disposed through the alignedslots of said flanges near the other end thereof, so that said flaredend of said tubular support element is captured between said flanges butis capable of rotating relative to said flanges;

said fasteners being constructed and oriented relative to theirassociated slots to permit slidable adjustment between said flanges;

said first portions of said first and second L-shaped elements arearranged to permit fastening means to be placed through said aperturesinto said structural members which are placed between the first portionof said L-shaped element and said first portion of said second L-shapedelement.

1. An apparatus for facilitating the interconnection of a plurality ofstructural members comprising, in combination: a plurality of fasteningmeans; a plurality of said structural members; said apparatus includingat least one surface thereof which is provided with apertures tofacilitate the passage therethrough of at least some of said fasteningmeans which serve to fasten said apparatus to one or more of saidstructural members; a first element having a substantially L-shapedcross-section and including a first portion and a second portion; asecond element having a substantially L-shaped cross-section andincluding a first portion and a second portion; adjustment meansadjustably interconnecting said first and second elements to permitrelative motion therebetween in order to accommodate various sizes of ornumbers of said structural members therebetween; said first portion ofsaid first element includes one said surface being provided with aplurality of said apertures which are aligned in a first predetermineddirection; said first portion of said second element includes anothersaid surface being provided with a plurality of said apertures which arealigned in a second predetermined direction which is disposedsubstantially perpendicular to said first predetermined direction; athird element which is substantially tubular in shape and which isrotatably interconnected to and affixed to one of said second portionsto perMit rotational adjustment of said first and second substantiallyL-shaped element relative to said third tubular element; and saidadjustment means includes a plurality of slots provided in said secondportion of said first substantially L-shaped element, the longitudinalaxis of said slots being perpendicularly disposed to the longitudinalaxis of said first substantially L-shaped element, a plurality of slotsprovided in said second portion of said second substantially L-shapedelement, said slots being substantially similar to the slot provided insaid first substantially L-shaped element and disposed in a verticallycollinear relationship thereto, and a plurality of rivetsperpendicularly disposed in said slots and abuttingly contacting saidfirst and second substantially L-shaped elements so as to permitrelative motion therebetween.
 2. An apparatus for facilitating theinterconnection of a plurality of structural members, comprising, incombination: a plurality of fastening means; a plurality of structuralmembers; said apparatus including at least one surface thereof which isprovided with apertures to facilitate the passage therethrough of atleast some of said fastening means which serve to fasten said apparatusto one or more of said structural members; a first element having asubstantially L-shaped cross-section and including a first portion and asecond portion; a second element having a substantially L-shapedcross-section and including a first portion and a second portion;adjustment means adjustably interconnecting said first and secondsubstantially L-shaped elements to permit relative motion therebetweenin order to accommodate various sizes of or numbers of said structuralmembers therebetween; said first portion of said first element includesone said surface being provided with a plurality of said apertures whichare aligned in a first predetermined direction; said first portion ofsaid second element includes another said surface being provided with aplurality of said apertures which are aligned in a second predetermineddirection which is disposed substantially perpendicular to said firstpredetermined direction; a third element which is substantially tubularin shape and which is rotatably interconnected to and affixed to one ofsaid second portions by means to permit rotational adjustment of saidfirst and second substantially L-shaped elements relative to said thirdtubular elements; and said means for rotatably interconnecting saidfirst and second substantially L-shaped elements to said third tubularelement including a circular aperture provided in the second portion ofsaid second element centrally disposed therein; a truncated conicalflange which depends from the lower surface of said second element andis concentric with said aperture; and an outwardly flared end portion ofsaid third tubular element which forms an annular flange whichabuttingly contacts the upper surface of said second element; saidangular flange being disposed between the second portions of said firstand second elements and adapted to permit rotation between said firstand second elements and said third tubular element.
 3. An apparatus forfacilitating the interconnection of a plurality of structural members,comprising, in combination: a first L-shaped element having a firstportion which is provided with a plurality of apertures, and a flangeportion which is disposed substantially perpendicular to said firstportion; a second L-shaped element having a first portion which isprovided with a plurality of apertures, and a flange portion which isdisposed substantially perpendicular to said first portion; a thirdelement constituting a tubular support element having a flared endportion thereof; each of said flange portions of said first and secondL-shaped elements being provided with a pair of oppositely-disposedslots therein; SAID flange portion of said first L-shaped element beingprovided with a conical depression therein; said tubular element beingdisposed relative to said first and second L-shaped elements so thatsaid flared end of said tubular support element is disposed between saidflange portions of said first and second L-shaped elements so that saidflared end may rotate within said conical depression; said first andsecond L-shaped elements being assembled so that said flange portionsare oriented substantially parallel to each other and with the slots ofone said flange being disposed adjacent the slots of the other saidflange; said first and second L-shaped elements being connected togetherby a first fastener disposed through the aligned slots of said flangesnear one end thereof, and by a second fastener disposed through thealigned slots of said flanges near the other end thereof, so that saidflared end of said tubular support element is captured between saidflanges but is capable of rotating relative to said flanges; saidfasteners being constructed and oriented relative to their associatedslots to permit slidable adjustment between said flanges; said firstportions of said first and second L-shaped elements are arranged topermit fastening means to be placed through said apertures into saidstructural members which are placed between the first portion of saidL-shaped element and said first portion of said second L-shaped element.